Centerfielder Lorenzo Cain, one of the brightest young prospects in the Brewers' farm system, has suffered a serious knee injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said Cain suffered the left knee injury with Class AA Huntsville on Thursday while attempting a diving catch in a game at Carolina. Ash said the doctor on the scene thought Cain might have torn the medial collateral ligament in the knee.

"If that proves to be the case, we're looking at a nine- to 13-week rehabilitation period," said Ash. "Whether it's torn or partially torn, it's a long rehab."

The injury officially is being called a severe sprain until the Brewers can have an MRI performed on the knee. Cain is going to Milwaukee to be examined by team physician William Raasch and have that test done Monday.

Cain, 23, the No. 6 prospect in the Brewers' system according to Baseball America magazine, reported late to Huntsville after suffering a hamstring strain near the end of spring training. He was playing in his fourth game when the injury occurred and was 0 for 14 this season.

A late addition to the Brewers' spring camp, Cain impressed club officials and players with his athleticism and aggressiveness in the outfield. After playing right field in previous years, he was moved to center field late last season. Mike Cameron took a liking to him and acted as a mentor during spring training.

When told of Cain's injury, Cameron's eyes widened and he couldn't muster many words.

"Wow," Cameron said. "Really? That's . . . wow."

Cain began the 2008 season at Class A Brevard County, batting .287 with 22 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 41 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 80 games. He was promoted to Huntsville, where in 40 games he hit .277 with nine doubles, five triples, four homers, six steals and 17 RBI.

After the season, Cain was sent to the Arizona Fall League as an injury replacement and batted .333 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 18 games.

If Cain recovers in time, Ash said he might return to the Arizona Fall League or be given a winter ball assignment to get some games under his belt before next season.

"It is unfortunate, but it's an accidental injury that happens," said Ash. "It's part of baseball. It's my understanding he even tried to continue playing in that game. That's what kind of kid he is."

Cameron OK after collision

Cameron took swings in the cage and did some drills to make sure he felt good enough to play Saturday. Cameron collided with Houston Astros catcher Humberto Quintero on a play at the plate in the fourth inning of Friday's game.

Cameron was "dazed but fine" after initiating the impact that led to the third out of the inning after the throw from Houston rightfielder Hunter Pence was up the third-base line. Both players were checked by trainers; Cameron played the rest of the game and Quintero left with a strained right shoulder and was placed on the disabled list Saturday.

"I was going into him," he said. "I ain't about no hook sliding."

Cameron said his neck, sternum and head, which knotted up, were all sore Saturday.

"It hurt," he said. "Once they sent me (around third) I knew it was going to be a close play. The throw was up the line so he was right there. I wasn't going to give up any ground. I already went this far."

Cameron was upset after finding out someone asked Houston players if they thought the play was dirty. He also was upset that, as he was helped off the field and while Quintero was still sitting, Astros fans booed loudly until Cameron stepped into the dugout.

It was suggested to Cameron by a reporter that Houston fans weren't the most knowledgeable when it came to baseball or its etiquette.

"Obviously," Cameron replied.

Hoffman activated, Swindle sent down

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman, who joined the team Saturday afternoon, will be the Brewers' closer starting Sunday after being activated from the disabled list. He landed there March 30 with a right oblique strain.

The Brewers sent down left-hander R.J. Swindle to Class AAA Nashville. The Brewers recalled him from Nashville on April 16 after David Riske went on the DL. He pitched 1 1/3 innings for the Brewers on Tuesday at Philadelphia, allowing one run on two hits.

About Tom Haudricourt

Tom Haudricourt covers the Brewers and Major League Baseball. He was voted Wisconsin Sports Writer of Year for 2011 and 2012 by National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.